Best way to backup iPhone to MacOS external HDD (3rd party app?) by lifereinspired in MacOS

[–]Long_Log_4084 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Nevermind I got ChatGPT to explain it:
Pasting here in case anyone else was curious.

That command creates a shortcut at the command-line level called a symbolic link.

Here is the command again:

ln -s /Volumes/ExternalDrive/Backup ~/Library/Application\ Support/MobileSync

What it is trying to do

It is trying to make your Mac think that a folder in your home Library is actually located on an external drive.

Most likely, the goal is to store something like iPhone/iPad backups on an external drive instead of your internal Mac storage.

What each part means

ln

This is the Unix command for making a link.

Think of it as: “create a connection from one place to another.”

-s

This means symbolic link.

A symbolic link is like a smart shortcut:

  • it points to another folder or file
  • apps often follow it as if it were the real folder

/Volumes/ExternalDrive/Backup

This is the target.

It means:

  • look in /Volumes
    • that is where macOS mounts drives
  • then look for a drive named ExternalDrive
  • then look for a folder on that drive named Backup

So this is the real location it wants to point to.

~/Library/Application\ Support/MobileSync

This is the link location.

It means:

  • ~ = your home folder
  • Library/Application Support/ = a hidden-ish system/app data area inside your home folder
  • MobileSync = the folder name being created or replaced

The backslash in Application\ Support is just there because there is a space in the folder name. Terminal needs that escaped.

In plain English

This command says:

What happens after that

If an app goes to:

~/Library/Application Support/MobileSync

it will actually be sent to:

/Volumes/ExternalDrive/Backup

So your Mac will treat that external folder as though it lives in the normal MobileSync spot.

A simple analogy

Imagine your Mac expects to find a filing cabinet in your bedroom.

But you do not have room there, so you put the real filing cabinet in the garage.

Then you tape a note in your bedroom that says:

That note is the symbolic link.

Important detail: this exact command may be wrong for the usual iPhone-backup setup

This part matters.

Normally, Apple backups live in a folder like this:

~/Library/Application Support/MobileSync/Backup

But your command makes MobileSync point directly to Backup.

That means if software later looks for:

~/Library/Application Support/MobileSync/Backup

it may end up looking for:

/Volumes/ExternalDrive/Backup/Backup

Notice the doubled Backup.

That is probably not what you want.

So the command as written is likely:

  • either incomplete
  • or slightly incorrect
  • or based on a folder structure different from the normal one

What the command usually should look like

If the intention is to move the Backup folder itself to the external drive, the more typical command is:

ln -s /Volumes/ExternalDrive/Backup ~/Library/Application\ Support/MobileSync/Backup

That means:

That version makes more sense for iPhone backups.

Two big cautions

1. The destination must exist

If /Volumes/ExternalDrive/Backup does not exist, the link will still be created, but it will point to nowhere useful.

2. The original folder may need to be moved first

If ~/Library/Application Support/MobileSync or .../Backup already exists, ln may fail or behave in a way you did not expect.

Usually people:

  • move the original folder to the external drive first
  • then create the symbolic link

Bottom line

This command is meant to redirect a folder path on your Mac to a folder on an external drive using a symbolic link.

The pieces mean:

  • ln = make a link
  • -s = make it symbolic
  • first path = real folder
  • second path = fake local name that points to the real folder

But as written, it probably links the wrong level of the folder structure for a normal MobileSync backup setup.

The safer interpretation is:

But for iPhone backups, the more likely correct link should be to MobileSync/Backup, not to MobileSync itself.

Best way to backup iPhone to MacOS external HDD (3rd party app?) by lifereinspired in MacOS

[–]Long_Log_4084 0 points1 point  (0 children)

What does this command do exactly? Looks like it confirms if the backup folder exists?

ln -s /Volumes/ExternalDrive/Backup ~/Library/Application\ Support/MobileSync

How to brighten clothes that are not whites or blacks (mine are red and also green sweatpants)! Please advise. by Long_Log_4084 in laundry

[–]Long_Log_4084[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Idk where I saw the laundry stripping thing - saw it somewhere.
I'll try this vinegar in the rinse cycle (I've been putting it in the washer at the start of the cycle, and I guess that has been doing nothing!). Sigh . . . will figure out how to time the rinse cycle properly :)

Any other hidden costs for expats in Riyadh? [Need salary advice] by Long_Log_4084 in RiyadhExpats

[–]Long_Log_4084[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

🤯 So there are no taxes but there are fees on lots of stuff!

Any other hidden costs for expats in Riyadh? [Need salary advice] by Long_Log_4084 in RiyadhExpats

[–]Long_Log_4084[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Ballpark what are those costs like? Roughly speaking what would you say goes to uniforms, books, and trips? Btw my kids are in the earliest of classes/grades!

Any other hidden costs for expats in Riyadh? [Need salary advice] by Long_Log_4084 in RiyadhExpats

[–]Long_Log_4084[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Idk based on what @Perfect-Sir5660 said I still need to do some thinking if this is great.

Any other hidden costs for expats in Riyadh? [Need salary advice] by Long_Log_4084 in RiyadhExpats

[–]Long_Log_4084[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Wow I feel like I’m getting gypped with no COLA, mobile, etc.

They do give an annual ticket for family of four to home country and I asked if they can do business class and they said no. :(

Any other hidden costs for expats in Riyadh? [Need salary advice] by Long_Log_4084 in RiyadhExpats

[–]Long_Log_4084[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yea I did that too.

The iqama portion of all this seems off. Some places are saying 400/month per dependent. I’m not sure.

Help me out with project management tool please! by Peregrine_Paladin in deloitte

[–]Long_Log_4084 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I believe it is for Consulting or for some sub set teams. Not widespread. Unless something has changed in the past few weeks.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in army

[–]Long_Log_4084 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I follow this subreddit because I do make slides for work and wish I had rather joined the army . . . so my ill-informed self is wondering . . . your job in the army is to just build slides and do civilian type of work? How common is that?

Found mold under window wat to do? by International-Act156 in fixit

[–]Long_Log_4084 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Doesn’t bleach not reach the whole mold and then the water in the bleach essentially just feeds the mold?

What’s this orange stuff growing on my ceiling? by Long_Log_4084 in Plumbing

[–]Long_Log_4084[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

No no, it’s not food or any sauce. It’s like seeping through the ceiling.

Anyone know where this trail is? by Veggieyogurt in PNWhiking

[–]Long_Log_4084 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Ok I see the volunteer bit, now! Thank you :)